Over 1,400 Cyclists of All Ages and Experience Levels were the First to Ride on State Route 840

Nashville, TN – Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and over 1,400 cyclists took it to the pavement last Saturday, October 13th on a soon-to-be-opened section of State Route 840 to celebrate the completion of the 26-year project.

The day of free fun included several bike ride options for all ages and experience levels, from a four-mile “Family Fun Ride” to the 100-mile “Gran Fondo” that took cyclists around the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee.

The event kicked off with a welcome from Governor Haslam, who rode 100 miles as leader in the Gran Fondo and TDOT Commissioner John Schroer, who led the Family Fun Ride. Attendees were treated to live music from 4GONE (featuring TDOT’s Chief Financial Officer Joe Galbato). Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams’ truck was also onsite to reward cyclists with free ice cream following their rides.

State Route 840 connects Wilson, Rutherford, Williamson, Hickman, and Dickson counties and provides access to Interstate 40 both east and west of Nashville, Interstate 65 and Interstate 24. This event was a prelude to Grand Opening of SR 840 and the completion of the 78-mile route.

State Route 840 will officially open on November 2nd, 2012. Check TDOT’s website for event details: www.tn.gov/tdot